University of New Orleans Says Good-Bye to Provost, Hello to A New Era

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs James Payne joins the University of
New Orleans on Jan. 1.

The University of New Orleans says good-bye Wednesday to Louis V. Paradise, a longtime
University faculty member and the university's interim provost. Paradise, a licensed
psychologist, is retiring from UNO following 30 years of service. A new provost, James Payne, joins the university Jan. 1.

"I am going to miss this place. There is no doubt about it," said Paradise today.
"I spent a lot of time here. Like they say it was a great ride. I am going to miss
coming into work. I will miss the people for sure."

Paradise has no immediate plans for his retirement other than to relax, he said, adding
that he is open to suggestions. As provost, Paradise served as the president's right
hand and the university's chief academic officer, a role that he has always believed
is "the best job on campus," he said. He relished developing faculty and academic
programs and improving the campus. A key reward, he said, has been putting doctoral
students out into the world as professors.

Paradise, who previously served on the graduate faculty of Catholic University in
Washington, D.C., has experience as a university counseling center counselor, a counselor
at a hospital psychiatric clinic, and a program evaluator. He has served multiple
terms on the editorial boards of Counselor Education and Supervision, Journal of Counseling and Development, Counseling and Values and Journal of Mental Health Counseling. His teaching and research interests include ethical issues in counseling, cognitive
behavioral counseling and research methodology.

At UNO, he has served in administrative positions including department chair, dean
of the College of Education and Human Development, vice chancellor for academic affairs
and provost and the first university's executive vice chancellor. He is the author
or coauthor of five books. He has published more than 60 professional articles and
his research and scholarly articles have been published in 36 different professional
journals.

A celebration in honor of Paradise's retirement takes place today from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
in Innsbruck Room 211B of the University Center. Payne will attend, said Paradise.
The new provost has been on campus this week, attending meetings and learning elements
of his new position.

"The best advice I gave him early on was "Be a good listener," Paradise said.